Learn the fundamentals of basic electricity, proper pole climbing techniques, proper use and care of PPE, safe work practices, basic knowledge of the function of the power grid, and general knowledge necessary to prepare you for a career in the electric linework industry. Ingenuity’s program combines classroom instruction, field work, and site visits. You’ll receive training necessary to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, as well as OSHA 10, First Aid, and CPR certifications. Pre-apprentices will be required to obtain their Class A CDL as a prerequisite to receiving program certification.
Pre-apprentices will meet and work with industry professionals in a wide variety of roles throughout the program. Each meeting is an opportunity to make a good impression, and every professional is a potential employer. By the time you complete the program, you’ll have several industry contacts that may lead to a job. Our instructors are also able to assist with career support services. Approximately 90% of pre-apprentices complete the program successfully.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of this course, learners will have an understanding of:
- Safety, including general safety practices, industry specific safety practices, APPA safety manual, care and use of Personal Protective Equipment and first aid.
- Basic Electricity, including Ohms Law, basic circuits and electrical math calculations.
- Pole Climbing, including use and care of climbing equipment, proper use of fall arrest equipment, determining the condition of a pole prior to climbing and pole top rescue.
- The electric system, including sources of generation, functions of a substation, determining voltage levels, methods of transforming energy from one form to another, identification of different types of apparatus and their basic function.
- Transformers, including types, polarity, vectors, connections and banking.
- Basic groundman skills, including proper use and care of handlines, ropes and rigging, knot tying, pole framing, reading staking sheets and reading and understanding spec books.
- Basic lineman skills, including stringing and sagging conductors, application of pre-formed ties, application of grounding.
- The full range of careers within the industry.
- Professionalism, including resumes and interviews, workplace communication, conflict resolution, and stress management.
- Basic computer literacy, including formatting resumes and cover letters, writing professional emails, and creating engaging PowerPoint presentations.
- Personal finance, including credit scores, insurance, income tax, budgets, and investments.
Location
CNM Rio Rancho Campus, 2601 Campus Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
If you are relocating to the area for the duration of the program, visit Wellness CNM for assistance with housing resources.
Schedule
Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 4 PM, excluding certain holidays.
This is a full-time program. Some pre-apprentices are able to work evenings and/or weekends without it interfering with their performance.
July 29 – October 14, 2024 (CDL training continues through November 17) FULL
February 17 – May 2, 2025 (CDL training continues through early June)
Prerequisites
Applicants for this program must be able to:
- Perform physical work in an outdoor setting in all types of weather.
- Bend and lift loads up 50 pounds.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and a good understanding of basic mathematical calculations.
- Pass a drug test and have a clean driving record.
- Obtain a Department of Transportation Medical Card by completing a physical exam administered by Licensed Medical Examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry.
A high school diploma or GED is not required for the program.
CNM Ingenuity will accommodate students with physical, mental, learning, visual, speech, or hearing disabilities documented by CNM Accessibility Services. Those students should contact Accessibility Services (505-224-3259 or [email protected]) and inform the instructor of their particular needs.
Provided with the Course:
Many of your supplies and materials will be provided for you, including:
- All required textbooks
- A tool bag with necessary hand tools
- Steel toe climbing boots
- Gloves and eye protection
- Type 1 Class E hard hat
You will need to provide:
- Appropriate close-toed shoes (until boots are provided).
- Appropriate clothing for working outdoors in all weather conditions. Heavy jeans or thick work pants and a thick long sleeve shirt are a must. Fire rated (FR) jeans and shirts are recommended.
- Paper, writing utensils, calculator for in-classroom work.
- Lunch, snacks, and water – there are very few lunch spots near the Rio Rancho Campus; we recommend bringing your lunch.
Cost
$8,999, not including CDL. CDL is an additional $5,000. CDL Learners are responsible for additional fees related to obtaining their license – approximately $150.
Most pre-apprentices receive funding to complete the program. For more information, visit our Funding page.